UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention after a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025. The game ended with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes leaving the field injured, raising concerns about his future.
As tension filled Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs were fighting for their postseason lives when Mahomes was injured in the closing moments. Sprinting toward the sideline to throw the ball away, he was brought down by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, resulting in a serious knee injury. An MRI confirmed the worst: Mahomes has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.
The game began with promise, with Mahomes leading a swift opening drive capped by a touchdown run. However, as the game progressed, the Chargers—led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who played through a broken left hand—mounted a comeback that would seal the Chiefs’ fate.
With just 20 seconds left on the clock, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew attempted to rally the team but ultimately threw an interception to Derwin James, allowing the Chargers to secure their victory. This marked a significant win for Los Angeles, who have now achieved a second consecutive season with 10 wins.
“It’s not just a win; it’s a statement,” said Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. “Coming into Arrowhead and getting a win means a lot for our team.”
The Chiefs, now faced with the reality of watching the playoffs from home for the first time since 2014, are left to regroup. Minshew will lead the offense for the remaining three games of the season, starting with a primetime matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.
In an emotional response, Mahomes shared his disappointment on social media, stating, “Don’t know why this had to happen… and not going to lie, it hurts.” Meanwhile, tight end Travis Kelce refused to discuss the team’s playoff elimination when approached by reporters, reflecting the somber mood within the locker room.
As injuries continued to plague the Chiefs, they faced a challenging road ahead without their star quarterback. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus now shifts to how the team will adapt to the absence of Mahomes and what changes lie ahead.
This shocking twist in the NFL season will reverberate through the league, leaving fans and players alike to wonder how the Chiefs will recover from such a profound setback.
